{"id":19722,"date":"2026-03-23T13:43:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T13:43:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/?p=19722"},"modified":"2026-03-23T13:43:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T13:43:11","slug":"hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"Hershey\u2019s boosts marketing spend with digital-first strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Overview_Hersheys_Marketing_Reset\" >\u00a0Overview: Hershey\u2019s Marketing Reset<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Investment_Strategy_Bigger_Smarter_Spend\" >\u00a0Investment Strategy: Bigger, Smarter Spend<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Increased_Budget_Allocation\" >Increased Budget Allocation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Shift_in_Spend_Mix\" >Shift in Spend Mix<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Digital-First_Execution_Model\" >\u00a0Digital-First Execution Model<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#1_Social_Creator-Led_Marketing\" >1. Social &amp; Creator-Led Marketing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#2_Video-First_Storytelling\" >2. Video-First Storytelling<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#3_Immersive_Interactive_Experiences\" >3. Immersive &amp; Interactive Experiences<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#4_Always-On_Cultural_Marketing\" >4. Always-On Cultural Marketing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Flagship_Campaign_%E2%80%9CIts_Your_Happy_Place%E2%80%9D\" >\u00a0Flagship Campaign: \u201cIt\u2019s Your Happy Place\u201d<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Campaign_Highlights\" >Campaign Highlights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Multi-Channel_Rollout\" >Multi-Channel Rollout<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Media_Strategy_Shift_Converged_Ecosystem\" >\u00a0Media Strategy Shift: Converged Ecosystem<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Paid_Owned_Earned_Integration\" >Paid + Owned + Earned Integration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Content_Expansion_Beyond_Ads\" >Content Expansion Beyond Ads<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Strategic_Objectives\" >\u00a0Strategic Objectives<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#1_Reignite_Core_Brand_Growth\" >1. Reignite Core Brand Growth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#2_Reach_New_Audiences\" >2. Reach New Audiences<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#3_Build_Year-Round_Engagement\" >3. Build Year-Round Engagement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#4_Compete_in_a_Digital-First_Ad_Landscape\" >4. Compete in a Digital-First Ad Landscape<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Early_Strategic_Signals\" >\u00a0Early Strategic Signals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Challenges_Risks\" >\u00a0Challenges &amp; Risks<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Rising_Costs\" >Rising Costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Execution_Complexity\" >Execution Complexity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Brand_Balance\" >Brand Balance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Key_Takeaway\" >\u00a0Key Takeaway<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Case_Studies_Hersheys_Digital-First_Strategy_in_Action\" >\u00a0Case Studies: Hershey\u2019s Digital-First Strategy in Action<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#1_%E2%80%9CIts_Your_Happy_Place%E2%80%9D_%E2%80%93_Multi-Platform_Digital_Storytelling\" >1. \u201cIt\u2019s Your Happy Place\u201d \u2013 Multi-Platform Digital Storytelling<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#What_Hershey_did\" >What Hershey did:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Real-world_execution\" >Real-world execution:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Why_it_works\" >Why it works:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#2_Paid_Owned_Earned_Media_Convergence\" >2. Paid + Owned + Earned Media Convergence<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#What_Hershey_did-2\" >What Hershey did:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Real-world_impact\" >Real-world impact:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Why_it_works-2\" >Why it works:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#3_Direct-to-Consumer_DTC_Digital_Commerce_Expansion\" >3. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Digital Commerce Expansion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#What_Hershey_did-3\" >What Hershey did:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Results\" >Results:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Why_it_works-3\" >Why it works:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#4_First-Party_Data_Personalization_Engine\" >4. First-Party Data &amp; Personalization Engine<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#What_Hershey_did-4\" >What Hershey did:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Real-world_impact-2\" >Real-world impact:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Why_it_works-4\" >Why it works:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#5_Cultural_Moment_Marketing_Always-On_Strategy\" >5. Cultural Moment Marketing (Always-On Strategy)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#What_Hershey_did-5\" >What Hershey did:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Real-world_impact-3\" >Real-world impact:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#Why_it_works-5\" >Why it works:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Expert_Commentary_Industry_Reactions\" >\u00a0Expert Commentary &amp; Industry Reactions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_A_Shift_from_%E2%80%9CSeasonal_Brand%E2%80%9D_to_%E2%80%9CAlways-On_Brand%E2%80%9D\" >\u00a0A Shift from \u201cSeasonal Brand\u201d to \u201cAlways-On Brand\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Content_Is_Replacing_Traditional_Advertising\" >\u00a0Content Is Replacing Traditional Advertising<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Data_Creativity_Competitive_Advantage\" >\u00a0Data + Creativity = Competitive Advantage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Rising_Costs_ROI_Pressure\" >\u00a0Rising Costs &amp; ROI Pressure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-53\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Competing_with_Digitally_Native_Brands\" >\u00a0Competing with Digitally Native Brands<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-54\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Strategic_Lessons_for_Marketers\" >\u00a0Strategic Lessons for Marketers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-55\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#1_Build_Campaigns_as_Content_Systems\" >1. Build Campaigns as Content Systems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-56\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#2_Own_Your_Data\" >2. Own Your Data<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-57\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#3_Integrate_Media_Channels\" >3. Integrate Media Channels<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-58\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#4_Tie_Marketing_to_Commerce\" >4. Tie Marketing to Commerce<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-59\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#5_Be_Always-On_Not_Seasonal\" >5. Be Always-On, Not Seasonal<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-60\" href=\"https:\/\/lite14.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/hersheys-boosts-marketing-spend-with-digital-first-strategy\/#_Final_Takeaway\" >\u00a0Final Takeaway<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Overview_Hersheys_Marketing_Reset\"><\/span>\u00a0Overview: Hershey\u2019s Marketing Reset<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Hershey\u2019s is undergoing its <strong>biggest brand refresh in nearly a decade<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Marketing budget for its flagship brand increased by <strong>~20%<\/strong> (<a title=\"Why Hershey's first major campaign in 8 years comes ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marketingdive.com\/news\/why-hersheys-first-campaign-in-8-years-kicks-off-with-an-olympics-tie-in\/809645\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Marketing Dive<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Part of a broader shift toward:\n<ul>\n<li>Digital-first storytelling<\/li>\n<li>Always-on cultural relevance<\/li>\n<li>Integrated media ecosystems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The goal: <strong>reignite growth for its core chocolate brand<\/strong> while competing in a fast-evolving digital landscape.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Investment_Strategy_Bigger_Smarter_Spend\"><\/span>\u00a0Investment Strategy: Bigger, Smarter Spend<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Increased_Budget_Allocation\"><\/span>Increased Budget Allocation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Hershey spent about <strong>$600M on advertising (2024 baseline)<\/strong> (<a title=\"Humble Hershey's Gets a Marketing Makeover\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/humble-hersheys-gets-a-marketing-makeover-79fda532?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Wall Street Journal<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Now increasing spend specifically for the Hershey\u2019s brand by <strong>20% in 2026<\/strong> (<a title=\"Why Hershey's first major campaign in 8 years comes ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marketingdive.com\/news\/why-hersheys-first-campaign-in-8-years-kicks-off-with-an-olympics-tie-in\/809645\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Marketing Dive<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This signals a shift from <strong>maintenance marketing \u2192 aggressive brand building<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shift_in_Spend_Mix\"><\/span>Shift in Spend Mix<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Instead of relying heavily on traditional seasonal ads (e.g., holidays), Hershey is reallocating toward:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Digital &amp; social platforms<\/li>\n<li>Influencer marketing<\/li>\n<li>Streaming TV &amp; connected TV<\/li>\n<li>Experiential and live events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The strategy prioritizes <strong>where attention is moving\u2014online and mobile-first environments<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Digital-First_Execution_Model\"><\/span>\u00a0Digital-First Execution Model<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Social_Creator-Led_Marketing\"><\/span>1. Social &amp; Creator-Led Marketing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Heavy use of platforms like:\n<ul>\n<li>TikTok (Branded Effects, influencer campaigns)<\/li>\n<li>Snapchat (AR lenses) (<a title=\"Why Hershey's first major campaign in 8 years comes ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marketingdive.com\/news\/why-hersheys-first-campaign-in-8-years-kicks-off-with-an-olympics-tie-in\/809645\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Marketing Dive<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Focus: Reach <strong>Gen Z and younger Millennials<\/strong> where they spend time.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Video-First_Storytelling\"><\/span>2. Video-First Storytelling<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Campaigns built around:\n<ul>\n<li>Short-form video<\/li>\n<li>Athlete-driven storytelling (Olympics tie-ins)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Distributed across:\n<ul>\n<li>Social platforms<\/li>\n<li>Streaming environments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Video becomes the <strong>primary storytelling format<\/strong>, not just TV ads.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Immersive_Interactive_Experiences\"><\/span>3. Immersive &amp; Interactive Experiences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>AR activations<\/li>\n<li>Real-time content drops<\/li>\n<li>TikTok Shop integrations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Moves Hershey from passive ads \u2192 <strong>interactive engagement ecosystems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Always-On_Cultural_Marketing\"><\/span>4. Always-On Cultural Marketing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Hershey is aligning campaigns with major cultural moments:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Winter Olympics (2026)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>World Cup<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>America250 celebrations<\/strong> (<a title=\"'The year of Hershey's': Inside the confectioner's first brand ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marketingbrew.com\/stories\/2026\/01\/28\/hershey-s-brand-platform-olympics-world-cup-america-250?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Marketing Brew<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Strategy: Stay <strong>continuously relevant<\/strong>, not just seasonal.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Flagship_Campaign_%E2%80%9CIts_Your_Happy_Place%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>\u00a0Flagship Campaign: \u201cIt\u2019s Your Happy Place\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Campaign_Highlights\"><\/span>Campaign Highlights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>First major campaign in <strong>8 years<\/strong> (<a title=\"Why Hershey's first major campaign in 8 years comes ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marketingdive.com\/news\/why-hersheys-first-campaign-in-8-years-kicks-off-with-an-olympics-tie-in\/809645\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Marketing Dive<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Emotional positioning around:\n<ul>\n<li>Happiness<\/li>\n<li>Shared moments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Features Olympic athletes and personal stories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Multi-Channel_Rollout\"><\/span>Multi-Channel Rollout<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Digital-first activation<\/li>\n<li>Social storytelling<\/li>\n<li>Influencer and athlete content<\/li>\n<li>Physical activations (e.g., chocolate medals)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Designed as a <strong>platform<\/strong>, not a one-off campaign.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Media_Strategy_Shift_Converged_Ecosystem\"><\/span>\u00a0Media Strategy Shift: Converged Ecosystem<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paid_Owned_Earned_Integration\"><\/span>Paid + Owned + Earned Integration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Hershey is restructuring how media works together:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Paid media \u2192 ads &amp; sponsorships<\/li>\n<li>Owned media \u2192 brand channels, retail stores<\/li>\n<li>Earned media \u2192 PR, cultural buzz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The company is building a <strong>connected media system<\/strong>, not siloed campaigns. (<a title=\"Hershey's Undergoes A Brand Update As It Rethinks Paid, ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.adexchanger.com\/commerce\/hersheys-undergoes-a-brand-update-as-it-rethinks-paid-earned-and-owned-media\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">AdExchanger<\/a>)<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Content_Expansion_Beyond_Ads\"><\/span>Content Expansion Beyond Ads<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Launching a <strong>feature film about Hershey\u2019s founder<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Creating retail and experiential touchpoints<\/li>\n<li>Using branded content as entertainment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This turns marketing into <strong>content ecosystems<\/strong>, not just ads.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Strategic_Objectives\"><\/span>\u00a0Strategic Objectives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Reignite_Core_Brand_Growth\"><\/span>1. Reignite Core Brand Growth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Hershey\u2019s chocolate lagging behind faster-growing brands like Reese\u2019s<\/li>\n<li>Aim: Make the flagship brand culturally relevant again<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Reach_New_Audiences\"><\/span>2. Reach New Audiences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Expand beyond:\n<ul>\n<li>Families<\/li>\n<li>Holiday buyers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Target:\n<ul>\n<li>Younger, digital-native consumers<\/li>\n<li>Non-traditional households (<a title=\"Humble Hershey's Gets a Marketing Makeover\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/humble-hersheys-gets-a-marketing-makeover-79fda532?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Wall Street Journal<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Build_Year-Round_Engagement\"><\/span>3. Build Year-Round Engagement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Move away from:\n<ul>\n<li>Seasonal spikes (Halloween, Christmas)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Toward:\n<ul>\n<li>Continuous engagement across the year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Compete_in_a_Digital-First_Ad_Landscape\"><\/span>4. Compete in a Digital-First Ad Landscape<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Competing with brands that dominate:\n<ul>\n<li>Social media<\/li>\n<li>Influencer culture<\/li>\n<li>Short-form video<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Hershey is repositioning itself as a <strong>modern, always-on brand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Early_Strategic_Signals\"><\/span>\u00a0Early Strategic Signals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Stronger presence across <strong>social and cultural moments<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Increased experimentation with <strong>new media formats<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Broader campaign ecosystem (events + digital + retail)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Indicates a shift from <strong>traditional FMCG marketing \u2192 platform-driven marketing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Challenges_Risks\"><\/span>\u00a0Challenges &amp; Risks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rising_Costs\"><\/span>Rising Costs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Cocoa prices up significantly<\/li>\n<li>Increased marketing spend adds pressure on margins (<a title=\"Hershey Just Announced a Surprising Marketing Move. It's the ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.inc.com\/ali-donaldson\/hersheys-just-announced-a-surprising-marketing-move-its-the-biggest-change-in-almost-a-decade\/91289203?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Inc.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Execution_Complexity\"><\/span>Execution Complexity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Managing:\n<ul>\n<li>Influencers<\/li>\n<li>Platforms<\/li>\n<li>Real-time content<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Requires strong data, coordination, and agility.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Brand_Balance\"><\/span>Brand Balance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Risk of:\n<ul>\n<li>Losing nostalgic identity<\/li>\n<li>Over-modernizing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Must balance <strong>heritage + innovation<\/strong> carefully.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Key_Takeaway\"><\/span>\u00a0Key Takeaway<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Hershey\u2019s digital-first push represents a major evolution:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>From seasonal, TV-heavy marketing \u2192 to always-on, digital-first brand ecosystems<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>It combines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Increased spend (+20%)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Social + creator-led content<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Cultural moment marketing<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Integrated media strategy<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The result is a transformation from a <strong>legacy chocolate brand<\/strong> into a <strong>modern, digitally native storyteller<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Here are <strong>detailed case studies and expert commentary<\/strong> on how The Hershey Company is boosting marketing spend through a <strong>digital-first strategy<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Case_Studies_Hersheys_Digital-First_Strategy_in_Action\"><\/span>\u00a0Case Studies: Hershey\u2019s Digital-First Strategy in Action<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_%E2%80%9CIts_Your_Happy_Place%E2%80%9D_%E2%80%93_Multi-Platform_Digital_Storytelling\"><\/span>1. \u201cIt\u2019s Your Happy Place\u201d \u2013 Multi-Platform Digital Storytelling<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Hershey_did\"><\/span>What Hershey did:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Launched its first major brand campaign in <strong>8 years<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Increased marketing budget by <strong>~20%<\/strong> to support it (<a title=\"Hershey Debuts 'Happy Place' Olympic Push\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mediapost.com\/publications\/article\/412159\/hershey-debuts-happy-place-olympic-push.html?edition=141321&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\">MediaPost<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Built the campaign around:\n<ul>\n<li>Olympic athletes<\/li>\n<li>Emotional storytelling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Distributed content across:\n<ul>\n<li>Social media (short-form clips)<\/li>\n<li>Streaming platforms<\/li>\n<li>Athlete-owned channels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Real-world_execution\"><\/span>Real-world execution:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A <strong>long-form hero video<\/strong> was broken into multiple digital formats<\/li>\n<li>Athletes shared content on their own social accounts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_it_works\"><\/span>Why it works:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>One core idea \u2192 scaled across platforms<\/li>\n<li>Blends <strong>brand storytelling + creator distribution<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Case insight:<\/strong> Modern campaigns are not ads\u2014they are <strong>content ecosystems designed for fragmentation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Paid_Owned_Earned_Media_Convergence\"><\/span>2. Paid + Owned + Earned Media Convergence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Hershey_did-2\"><\/span>What Hershey did:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Shifted from traditional paid-heavy media to a <strong>connected ecosystem<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Integrated:\n<ul>\n<li>Paid ads (TV, digital, streaming)<\/li>\n<li>Owned channels (web, retail stores, theme parks)<\/li>\n<li>Earned media (PR, cultural buzz)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Even created <strong>entertainment content<\/strong>, including a feature film about its founder (<a title=\"Hershey's Undergoes A Brand Update As It Rethinks Paid, ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.adexchanger.com\/commerce\/hersheys-undergoes-a-brand-update-as-it-rethinks-paid-earned-and-owned-media\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">AdExchanger<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Real-world_impact\"><\/span>Real-world impact:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Stronger <strong>brand visibility across touchpoints<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Marketing extends beyond ads into <strong>experiences and storytelling<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_it_works-2\"><\/span>Why it works:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Consumers don\u2019t experience brands in silos anymore<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Case insight:<\/strong> The future of marketing is <strong>media convergence, not channel optimization<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Direct-to-Consumer_DTC_Digital_Commerce_Expansion\"><\/span>3. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Digital Commerce Expansion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Hershey_did-3\"><\/span>What Hershey did:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Built a <strong>direct-to-consumer platform (Shop.Hersheys.com)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Focused on:\n<ul>\n<li>First-party data collection<\/li>\n<li>Personalized shopping journeys<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Results\"><\/span>Results:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>+98% increase in orders<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>+105% increase in sales<\/strong> (<a title=\"Hershey's Case Study: Going Direct to Consumer with ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.merkle.com\/en\/work\/case-studies\/hersheys.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">merkle.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_it_works-3\"><\/span>Why it works:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Moves Hershey closer to the customer<\/li>\n<li>Reduces reliance on retail intermediaries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Case insight:<\/strong> Digital-first marketing is strongest when tied directly to <strong>commerce and data ownership<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_First-Party_Data_Personalization_Engine\"><\/span>4. First-Party Data &amp; Personalization Engine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Hershey_did-4\"><\/span>What Hershey did:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Built a large data ecosystem through:\n<ul>\n<li>Loyalty programs (12M+ users)<\/li>\n<li>Digital engagement platforms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Used data for:\n<ul>\n<li>Personalized email campaigns<\/li>\n<li>Targeted social ads<\/li>\n<li>Campaign optimization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Real-world_impact-2\"><\/span>Real-world impact:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Campaigns driven by data deliver <strong>8\u201310% sales lift<\/strong> (<a title=\"What is Sales and Marketing Strategy of Hershey Company?\" href=\"https:\/\/portersfiveforce.com\/blogs\/marketing-strategy\/thehersheycompany?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Porter&#8217;s Five Forces<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_it_works-4\"><\/span>Why it works:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Personalization increases relevance and conversion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Case insight:<\/strong> First-party data is the <strong>core fuel of digital-first marketing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Cultural_Moment_Marketing_Always-On_Strategy\"><\/span>5. Cultural Moment Marketing (Always-On Strategy)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Hershey_did-5\"><\/span>What Hershey did:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Built campaigns around major global events:\n<ul>\n<li>Winter Olympics<\/li>\n<li>World Cup<\/li>\n<li>America250 celebrations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Activated across:\n<ul>\n<li>Social media<\/li>\n<li>Retail<\/li>\n<li>Experiential events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Real-world_impact-3\"><\/span>Real-world impact:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Transition from <strong>seasonal spikes \u2192 year-round engagement<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Broader audience reach (including non-traditional buyers) (<a title=\"Humble Hershey's Gets a Marketing Makeover\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/humble-hersheys-gets-a-marketing-makeover-79fda532?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Wall Street Journal<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_it_works-5\"><\/span>Why it works:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Keeps the brand continuously relevant in culture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Case insight:<\/strong> Digital-first brands win by being <strong>always present, not occasionally visible<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Expert_Commentary_Industry_Reactions\"><\/span>\u00a0Expert Commentary &amp; Industry Reactions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_A_Shift_from_%E2%80%9CSeasonal_Brand%E2%80%9D_to_%E2%80%9CAlways-On_Brand%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>\u00a0A Shift from \u201cSeasonal Brand\u201d to \u201cAlways-On Brand\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Experts note Hershey is moving away from:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Holiday-heavy campaigns (Halloween, Christmas)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Toward:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Continuous digital engagement across the year (<a title=\"Humble Hershey's Gets a Marketing Makeover\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/humble-hersheys-gets-a-marketing-makeover-79fda532?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Wall Street Journal<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Comment: This aligns with how consumers now interact\u2014<strong>daily, not seasonally<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Content_Is_Replacing_Traditional_Advertising\"><\/span>\u00a0Content Is Replacing Traditional Advertising<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Industry leaders highlight Hershey\u2019s move toward:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Films<\/li>\n<li>Social storytelling<\/li>\n<li>Influencer-driven content<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Comment:<br \/>\nMarketing is evolving from <strong>ads \u2192 entertainment ecosystems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Data_Creativity_Competitive_Advantage\"><\/span>\u00a0Data + Creativity = Competitive Advantage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Hershey combines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>First-party data<\/li>\n<li>AI-driven insights<\/li>\n<li>Creative storytelling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Comment:<br \/>\nThis hybrid approach allows both:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Precision targeting<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Emotional storytelling<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Rising_Costs_ROI_Pressure\"><\/span>\u00a0Rising Costs &amp; ROI Pressure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Experts warn:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Increased marketing spend + rising cocoa costs = margin pressure (<a title=\"Humble Hershey's Gets a Marketing Makeover\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/humble-hersheys-gets-a-marketing-makeover-79fda532?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Wall Street Journal<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Comment: Digital-first strategies require:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Strong measurement models<\/li>\n<li>Continuous optimization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Competing_with_Digitally_Native_Brands\"><\/span>\u00a0Competing with Digitally Native Brands<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Hershey is responding to competition from:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Social-first snack brands<\/li>\n<li>Influencer-driven product launches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Comment:<br \/>\nLegacy brands must <strong>modernize media strategy<\/strong> to stay relevant.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Strategic_Lessons_for_Marketers\"><\/span>\u00a0Strategic Lessons for Marketers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Build_Campaigns_as_Content_Systems\"><\/span>1. Build Campaigns as Content Systems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One idea \u2192 many formats \u2192 multiple platforms<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Own_Your_Data\"><\/span>2. Own Your Data<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>First-party data enables personalization and ROI<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Integrate_Media_Channels\"><\/span>3. Integrate Media Channels<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Paid, owned, and earned must work together<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Tie_Marketing_to_Commerce\"><\/span>4. Tie Marketing to Commerce<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>DTC platforms turn engagement into revenue<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Be_Always-On_Not_Seasonal\"><\/span>5. Be Always-On, Not Seasonal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Relevance now requires continuous presence<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Final_Takeaway\"><\/span>\u00a0Final Takeaway<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>The Hershey Company is transforming from a <strong>traditional FMCG advertiser<\/strong> into a <strong>digital-first, content-driven brand<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>From seasonal TV campaigns \u2192 to always-on, data-driven, multi-platform ecosystems<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>By combining:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Increased marketing spend (+20%)<\/li>\n<li>Creator-led digital content<\/li>\n<li>First-party data<\/li>\n<li>Cultural moment marketing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Hershey is building a model designed for the <strong>attention economy<\/strong>, where relevance is continuous and engagement is interactive.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; \u00a0Overview: Hershey\u2019s Marketing Reset Hershey\u2019s is undergoing its biggest brand refresh in nearly a decade Marketing budget for its flagship brand increased by ~20%&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[270,90],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-digital-marketing","category-news-update"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Hershey\u2019s boosts marketing spend with digital-first strategy - Lite14 Tools &amp; 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